Habs get grittier, sign Travis Moen

Just when you thought the Habs were done, GM
Bob Gainey struck again, this time with the signing of free agent LW Travis Moen
to a 3 year contract.  The deal is reportedly for $4.5 M over the 3 years,
for a $1.5 M annual cap hit.  Moen is the 6th UFA already signed by the Canadiens who have
now changed over 33% of their roster from last season.

A 5th round pick of Calgary in 2000, the 6’2, 215 lb winger split last season
between Anaheim and San Jose, picking up 7 goals and 9 assists in 82 games, to
go along with 91 PIMS and a -18 rating.  He did improve when he was moved
to San Jose though, picking up 3 goals and 2 assists in 19 games while only
being -1.  He struggled a bit in San Jose’s short playoff run however,
going pointless with a -4 rating in just 6 games, but he did lead the team in
hits in the playoffs with 16.

Moen will never be mistaken for an offensive threat; his career high in points
is 27, and that was back in 2002 playing for Kelowna of the WHL.  What he
brings to the table is a physical presence while being somewhat responsible in
his own end of the rink. 

Fast facts:

– Moen had 171 hits during the regular season last year, which would have
ranked 2nd overall on the Habs – 1st was Mike Komisarek, who now plays for
Toronto.
– Travis’ best offensive output came during the 2006-07 playoffs (the year
Anaheim won the Cup), where he had 7 goals and 5 assists in just 21 games. 
(Though he didn’t lead the team in hits in that playoff run, he was 3rd).
– Like Montreal’s other signing Paul Mara, Moen too is strong with the puck,
with just 19 giveaways in his 82 games this year, tops for any San Jose regular. 

– Career PPG (points-per-game) during the season: 0.155.  Career PPG during
the playoffs: 0.357, more than double his regular season output.

Stats: